NEW BMW International Open champion Ernie Els has delivered a blow to Scottish Open organisers by revealing he’ll withdraw from next month’s event at Castle Stuart.

The South African’s name appears on the list of entries on the European Tour’s website but the double Scottish Open winner will instead focus on his defence of The Open Championship – which starts seven days later on July 18.

And Els, fresh from success in Munich, will get his first look at Muirfield tomorrow playing a practice round in the company of long-time friend and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship organiser, Johann Rupert.

It will be the first time Els walks onto the course since winning a four-man play-off in capturing the 2002 Open.

The player, who won The Open for the second time last year, said: “I see that my name is down to play the Scottish Open but my plan is not to play.

“I’ve got a nice break coming up and I’ll head back and forth to Muirfield, starting on Tuesday, to get myself familiar with the golf course again.

“It’s going to be very special, and I’m sure a little emotional, stepping back out on to the course as I know the memories will come flooding back.”

The 43-year-old captured his 68th pro career success and also became the oldest winner of the German event posting a last round 69 to defeat Dane Thomas Bjorn by a shot with an 18-under par tally.

Bjorn, who took the lead with three birdies in a row from the third, was left counting the cost of a 14th hole double bogey when he found trees and was forced to take a penalty drop.

It was Els’ 28th Race to Dubai success in 11 different countries but a first in Germany.

He said: “This win gives me a lot of confidence heading into the Open. As always, when you get to my age, to get a win, it’s a wonderful feeling.

“There’s two more Majors left this year. I’ve played well in the last two but I need a bit of a spark going into the next two.”

Kincardine’s Callum Macaulay was the best of the Scots after he signed for a 69 and a share of 35th on eight-under par.